The Supreme Court of India has intervened in the investigation of the custodial death of Deva Pardhi, transferring the probe from Madhya Pradesh Police to the CBI. The court directed authorities to ensure the safety of Pardhi&rsquo;s uncle, Gangaram Pardhi, the sole eyewitness currently in judicial custody, citing concerns over possible threats or further custodial harm.
The top court&rsquo;s action follows allegations that local police attempted to influence the investigation and cover up the circumstances surrounding Pardhi&rsquo;s death. Two police officers, Sanjiv Singh Mawai and Uttam Singh Kushwaha, have been absconding since April and remain at large. The Supreme Court emphasised that any lapse in the protection of the eyewitness or recurrence of custodial incidents would be taken very seriously.
The May 15 order transferring the case to the CBI highlighted repeated interference by state authorities in the investigation, underscoring the need for an independent and thorough inquiry into the custodial death.
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Supreme Court orders safety for eyewitness in Pardhi custodial death probe, warns CBI

SC Directs CBI to Protect Custodial Witness

Supreme Court orders safety for eyewitness in Pardhi custodial death probe, warns CBI

September 24, 2025 | 10:32 IST